1996 Australia

A top-class year in South Australia, with Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz dominated wines being outstanding. A very good year in Victoria, although rain during the harvest in the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula led to very good rather than great wines being produced. An outstanding year for reds in Western Australia, with the growing conditions in Margaret River being perfect, resulting in marvellously ripe and beautifully harmonious Cabernet Sauvignon dominated reds being produced. The best examples possess excellent cellaring potential. Well-structured and balanced Chardonnays were also made.